By Lamarana S. Jallow
In a move to assess progress and drive reform, the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports, Bakary Y. Badjie, last week embarked on an unannounced visit to institutions under his purview. The visit was a routine check but a call to action focusing on upgrading programmes, tackling financial challenges, and strengthening youth and sports initiatives.
Accompanied by Deputy Permanent Secretary (Technical) Musa Mbye and other senior officials, Minister Badjie engaged with key stakeholders, including Director of Youth and Sports, Abass Bah, who also oversees the National Youth Service Scheme (NYSS); Acting Executive Director of the National Sports Council (NSC), Mahmud Lamin Jawla; Pa Malick Ceesay of the President’s International Award (PIA); Mam Lissa Camara, General Manager of the National Enterprise Development Initiative (NEDI); and Alagie Jarju, Executive Director of the National Youth Council (NYC).
At each stop, the Minister called for stronger collaboration and innovative approaches to modernising the sector. Challenges surrounding subvention and resource allocation were at the heart of discussions, with officials pledging their commitment to ensuring sustainability and efficiency in youth and sports programmes.
During his visit to NYSS, Minister Badjie inspected dormitories and administrative offices, emphasising the urgent need for improved facilities to support youth training. At PIA in Bakau, he toured the shoe-making showroom, tailoring workshop, carpentry section, welding facility, and the newly established bakery, each a crucial part of efforts to equip young people with employable skills.
One of the major highlights of the visit was the newly refurbished conference hall at PIA, upgraded with financial support from the Ministry. Designed to generate revenue and sustain training programs, this initiative marks a shift toward self-sufficiency in youth development institutions.
Minister Badjie assured officials of the Ministry’s continued support, while directors and general manager pledged their full commitment to transforming the sector. As the tour continues, expectations are high that this proactive engagement will bring lasting improvements to youth empowerment and sports development across the country.
